Flip flops with wind and water barrier

ABSTRACT

Flip flops with a barrier circumscribing the flip flop sole. The barrier protects the feet from water splashes, puddles, wet grass and wind. The flip flops are open in a vertical direction, and therefore highly breathable. The barrier is waterproof and therefore provides excellent water protection. The barrier can be about 0.5-4 inches or about 0.7-3 inches tall. Alternatively, the barrier height can be at least 1/3, 40%, 1/2, 2/3, or 3/4 the length of a toe strap. The barrier can be made of closed cell foam or plastic film. The barrier can have attachment tabs for attachment to the sole. The attachment between the sole and barrier is water tight.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sandals and in particular tothong/flip flop sandals that protect the feet from water splashes,puddles, wet grass, and wind.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Flip flop or thong sandals are popular for their breathability andcomfort. However, the openness causes some problems. Conventional flipflops do not protect the feet from water splashes, puddles or wet grass.Also, flip flops provide no protection from wind, which can be a problemin cool weather.

A number of patents teach sandals with toe guards. For example, U.S.Pat. No. 6,493,965, 6,990,753, and 7,234,251 teach toe guards thatprotect the toes from rocks and injury. These sandals provide verylimited protection from water splashes, wet grass or wind. Also, theyprovide essentially zero protection from water in case a user steps intoa water puddle.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,491,297 teaches footwear with a thong. It can provideprotection from water, but lacks the breathability and comfort of asandal or flip flop.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,327,322 teaches a shoe construction with a “vamp frame”that “grips the foot of the wearer firmly”. Since the vamp frame gripsthe foot, the shoe does not provide the breathability and comfort offlip flops.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,221 teaches a sandal having a heel cup thatstabilizes the ankle by reducing inversion and eversion of the heel. Theheel cup impairs the breathability desired of flip flop sandals. Theheel cup edges do not provide useful protection from wind and water.

US Patent D453,611 shows a design for a flip flop sandal with a shortridge surrounding the flip flop. The ridge does not provide substantiveprotection from wind and water. Also, in the heel area, the ridgecomprises a heel cup that reduces breathability. The heel cup conformsto the shape of the heel, which is undesirable for breathability andcomfort.

The combination of high breathability and water protection is desirablefor footwear. Both are long-felt needs. However, these needs aregenerally in conflict and force undesirable design tradeoffs.

There is a need for comfortable flip flop sandals that providebreathability in combination with wind and water protection.

SUMMARY

Provided is a flip flop sandal having a sole, a medial foot strap and alateral foot strap. The medial foot strap extends over the medial sideof the foot, and the lateral foot strap extends over the lateral side ofthe foot. The foot straps are connected to the sole, and to a connectionpoint. A toe strap is connected between the connection point and thesole. The toe strap is located such that it extends between the big toeand second toe of a wearers foot. Also present is a barrier disposedaround the sole and attached to the sole. The barrier extends upwardsand has a minimum height everywhere of at least 40% or ½ a toe straplength.

Accordingly, the barrier provides wind and water protection for thefoot.

The barrier can also have a height of about 0.5 to 4 inches, or ½ a toestrap length to 6 inches.

The sole may comprise a gap area on the sole. The gap area is a portionof the sole where the foot does not contact. The gap area can be in theheel portion. The gap area is disposed adjacent to the barrier.

The barrier does not grip or compress the foot. In other words, thebarrier does not hold the flip flop onto the foot when the foot islifted vertically. Only the straps hold the flip flop on the foot.

The barrier can comprise an attachment tab for attachment to the sole.The attachment tab can be disposed inside the sole, i.e. in betweenupper and lower layers of the sole. The upper and lower sole layers canbe laminated and attached by adhesive, as known in the art.

The medial and lateral foot straps can be attached to an inner surfaceof the barrier. This can help to hold up the barrier, so that it doesnot fall over.

The present flip flop can comprise a removably attachable cover,removably attachable to the foot straps. Hook and loop fastener can beused for attachment.

The barrier and cover can be made of closed cell foam for example. Thebarrier and cover can be impermeable to water and wind.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a flip flop according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional side view of a flip flop according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of a flip flop according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a flip flop according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of a flip flop with a foot.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a flip flop with gap areas present in onlysome portions of the perimeter.

FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional view of a flip flop in which the barrierand the sole are monolithic.

FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view of a flip flop in which the barrierhas a tapered thickness.

FIG. 9A shows a cross sectional view of a flip flop in which the barrierhas tabs disposed between an upper sole and a lower sole.

FIG. 9B shows a cross sectional exploded view of the embodiment of FIG.9A.

FIG. 10 shows a cross sectional view of a flip flop in which the barrierhas short tabs disposed between an upper sole and a lower sole.

FIG. 11 shows a cross sectional view of a flip flop in which the barrierhas long tabs disposed between an upper sole and a lower sole.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show cross sectional views of barriers havinglaminated tab layers.

FIG. 13 shows a top view of a barrier and attachment tabs according to aspecific embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14. shows a top view of a barrier and attachment tabs according toa specific embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 shows a die cut shape to make the barrier and attachment tabs inthe embodiment of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 shows a cross sectional side view of an embodiment in which thebarrier is taller in a front portion of the flip flop.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show embodiments in which the barrier is curvedinwardly or outwardly.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show perspective and cross sectional views of anembodiment in which the foot straps are attached to the barrier.

FIG. 19 shows a cross sectional side view of an embodiment having acover.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of an embodiment having a cover.

FIG. 21 shows a cross sectional side view of an embodiment having holesand notches in the barrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides flip flop sandals having a barriercircumscribing the sandal. The barrier is tall enough to provide usefulprotection from water splashes, puddles, wet grass and wind. Forexample, the barrier can be about 0.5-4 or 0.7-2.5 inches tall (measuredfrom a top surface of the sandal sole). The barrier is preferablyimpermeable to water and wind. For example, the barrier can be made ofclosed-cell foam or rubber or foam rubber. The barrier does not grip orcompress the foot (i.e. does not grip two opposite sides of the foot atthe same time), and therefore does not hold the sandal onto the footwhen the foot is lifted vertically. The barrier can be spaced away froma wearers foot so that it does not impair breathability.

The present invention provides the desirable combination of excellentbreathability and excellent water protection. Breathability is providedbecause the flip flops are open in the vertical direction and thebarrier is wide enough to allow air circulation around the sides of thefoot. Water protection is provided because the barrier is impermeable towater and is tall enough to block splashes, wet grass, and puddles.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a flip flop sandal according to thepresent invention. The flip flop has a sole 20. A toe strap 22, a medialfoot strap 24, and a lateral foot strap 26 are attached to the sole 20,as known in the art. The toe strap 22 and foot straps 24 26 are attachedat a connection point 28. The foot straps 24 26 can comprise a singlepiece of material. The toe strap 22 is located such that it extendsbetween the big toe and the second toe of a wearers foot (not shown), asknown in the art.

The medial foot strap 24 covers the medial side of the foot, and thelateral foot strap 26 covers the lateral side of the foot, as known inthe art.

According to the present invention, a barrier 30 is disposed around theperimeter of the sole 20. The barrier 30 and sole 20 are attached at aseam 32, which may have a waterproof construction. For example, thebarrier 30 and sole 20 may be attached at the seam 32 by rubber cement,contact cement or other waterproof adhesive.

The barrier 30 has an interior surface 31 and an exterior surface 33.

The barrier 30 may comprise a vertical seam 34 in embodiments where thebarrier is made from a strip of material wrapped around the sole 20. Thevertical seam 34 will not be present in some embodiments of theinvention. For example, if the sole 20 and barrier 30 comprise a singleintegral part (e.g. made by molding), then the vertical seam 34 and seam32 will not be present.

The flip flop sandal can be made of many materials known in the art. Forexample, the sole 20 can be made of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam,polyurethane foams, rubber or foam rubbers. The straps 22 24 26 can bemade of nylon or polyester fabric or webbing, leather, plastic orrubber. The use of such materials in sandals and flip flops is known inthe art.

The straps 22 24 26 can be attached to the sole 20 with adhesive such ascontact cement or rubber cement. For example, the sole 20 can have alayered structure and the straps 22 24 26 can extend between the layerscomprising the sole 20. Such structures and construction methods areknown in the art of sandal and flip flop fabrication.

The barrier 30 is made of semi-rigid or flexible material able to holditself vertically without falling over. Also, the barrier 30 is able toflex as a wearer walks. The barrier 30 can be made of many materialsknown in the art: EVA foam, polyurethane foams, solid rubber or foamrubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film or foam, fabrics orpolymer-impregnanted fabrics, and polyester or polyethylene foams orfilm. The barrier 30 can also be made of solid film or sheet, such asPVC or rubber film or sheet or leather. The barrier 30 can be opaque ortransparent. Preferably, the barrier 30 is made of water-impermeablematerial, such as closed cell foam or solid polymeric films. The presentinvention is not limited to any particular material for the barrier 30.

In some embodiments, polymeric closed-cell foams may be preferred forthe barrier 30 because they are lightweight, flexible, waterproof andresist falling over.

Also the barrier 30 may comprise a laminated material, with thelaminated layers oriented vertically (not shown). For example, thebarrier 30 may comprise a layer of EVA foam and a layer of decorativefabric. The decorative fabric (not shown) can cover the interior and/orexterior surfaces of the barrier 30. The fabric may protect the foamfrom abrasion and damage.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional side view of the flip flop according tothe present invention. The barrier 30 has a height 36 measured from atop surface 38 of the sole 20. The height 36 can be about 0.5-4 inchesor 0.7-2.5 inches for example.

The barrier can have a minimum height for all locations along the lengthof the barrier 30 (i.e. “everywhere”). Alternatively, the barrier 30 canhave an average height, averaged over the entire length of the barrier30.

The toe strap 22 has a length 40. The toe strap length 40 is measuredbetween the sole top surface 38 and the connection point 28. It is notedthat the toe strap length 40 refers to the length of the toe strap 22when straightened. If the toe strap 22 has a built-in curvature, itshould be straightened to determine the toe strap length 40.

If the sole 20 has a raised area where the toe strap 22 is attached tothe sole 20 (not shown here, but a raised area at the toe strap-soleattachment is present in D453,611 to Birkenstock), then the toe straplength is defined as including the height of the raised area. In otherwords, the toe strap length for the purposes of the present claims willbe the measured toe strap length plus the height of the raised area. Theridge circumscribing the sole of D453,611 is about 31% of the toe straplength.

Typically, flip flop sandals for adults have a toe strap length 40 ofabout 1-2 inches. A toe strap length 40 of 1.5 inches is common. In someembodiments of the invention, the barrier height 36 is at least ⅓, 40%,½, ⅔, or ¾of the toe strap length everywhere along the length of thebarrier.

Alternatively, the barrier height 36 can be at least 0.5-0.7 inches orat least ⅓ the toe strap length 40, whichever is greater. Thisalternative requirement will tend to accommodate variations in flip flopsizes and toe strap lengths while assuring adequate barrier height evenfor small size flip flop sandals.

The barrier 30 has a thickness 42. The thickness 42 can be about0.04-0.75 inches or 0.125-0.5 inches for example. The optimal barrierthickness will depend on the weight, rigidity and density of the barriermaterial. Lightweight and low density barrier materials can have greaterbarrier thickness.

One specific embodiment has a barrier 30 made of EVA closed-cell foamwith density 2 pounds/cubic foot, a thickness 42 of 0.25 inches and aheight 36 of about 1-1.5 inches or about 0.8-1.2 times the toe straplength (height varies with location in this specific embodiment).

The barrier 30 may also be made of solid plastic film or sheet, such asPVC or rubber film. In such embodiments, the barrier can be thinner than0.05 inches. The barrier 30 should be thick enough and rigid enough suchthat it can stand vertically without falling over.

The present flip flop sandals are worn and used like conventional flipflops. The wearers foot is disposed between the sole 20 and the straps22 24 26. The toe strap 22 is disposed between the big toe and thesecond toe, as known in the art. While walking, the flip flop movesvertically (i.e. “flip flop action”) relative to the foot, likeconventional flip flops. The barrier 30 does not interfere with the flipflop action movement of the flip flop.

The barrier 30 does not hold the flip flop on the foot and does not gripor compress the foot. In other words, the barrier 30 does not compresstwo opposite sides of the foot simultaneously. Consequently, the barrier30 does not interfere with vertical movement required for flip flopaction.

Also consequently, the present flip flop is quickly and easily put onthe foot, and easily removed. The flip flop can be put on and taken offwithout using the hands, and can be just as easy to take on and off as aconventional flip flop sandal.

Only the straps 22 24 26 hold the flip flop on the foot. Without thestraps 22 24 26, the flip flop will not remain on the foot when the footis lifted, because the barrier 30 does not grip the foot.

However, it is noted that the barrier 30 may prevent horizontal movementof the flip flop relative to the foot. This may occur if the foot slidesacross the sole 20 for example. The barrier may in this case prevent thefoot from sliding off the sole 20. However, this function is generallynot encountered with normal use, but rather may occur with a misstep orfall. Such incidental interference with horizontal movement is distinctfrom holding the flip flop on the foot. The barrier 30 does not hold theflip flop onto the foot when the foot is lifted vertically.

It is noted that since the barrier 30 is typically made of soft andflexible closed cell foam, the barrier may not be able to prevent thefoot from sliding off the sole 20 in some embodiments and somesituations.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.4 shows a cross sectional view cut across line 41. The barrier 30extends around the entire sole 20 such that wind and water protection isprovided in all directions.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the sole 20 comprises a foot bedarea 44 and a gap area 46 disposed around the foot bed area 44. The footbed area is where a wearers foot contacts and rests upon the sole 20.Consequently, the gap area 46 indicates a gap between the wearers foot(not shown) and the barrier 30. The existence of the gap area 46indicates that the wearers foot is not compressed or gripped by thebarrier 30. The gap area 46 may completely circumscribe the sole asshown in FIG. 3, or may be present only in certain portions (e.g. aroundthe toes and in the heel area). The gap area 46 is optional in theinvention and the appended claims are not limited to sandals having thegap area 46.

FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view cut across line 41 and including afoot heel 48. The foot is not in contact with the barrier 30 in gapareas 46. Consequenty, the heel 48 is not gripped by the barrier 30.There may be some contact between the heel 48 and barrier 30, but notenough compressive contact to attach the flip flop to the heel 48. Ofcourse, the amount of contact between the heel 48 and the barrier 30will depend on the size and shape of the foot, and the fit desired bythe wearer.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of an embodiment having two separate gaps areas:a forward gap area 46A around the toes, and a rear gap area 46B in aheel portion 47. The heel portion 47 is defined by a line 49 drawnbetween rearmost corners of the foot straps 24 26. In FIG. 6, thebarrier 30 does not comprise a heel cup.

FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment inwhich an upper sole 20A is monolithic with the barrier 30. The seam 32is not present. This embodiment can be made by molding the barrier 30and sole 20A from a single piece of material. An advantage of thisdesign is that adhesive glue for seam 32 is not necessary.

The embodiment of FIG. 7 has a hard lower sole 50 that is moreabrasion-resistant than the upper sole 20A.

Also shown in FIG. 7 is an exterior fabric covering 51 attached to theexterior surface 33 of the barrier 30. The exterior fabric covering 51can have decorative prints or patterns.

FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment in which thebarrier 30 has a tapered thickness. The barrier 30 is wedge-shaped, andis thinner at a top edge.

FIGS. 9A and 9B shows assembled and exploded cross sectional views of anembodiment in which the barrier 30 has attachment tabs 52 disposedbetween the upper sole 20A and the lower sole 50. The attachment tabs 52provide a secure attachment between the barrier 30 and the soles 20A 50.

The upper sole 20A is shown with an optional notch 54. The notch 54accommodates the attachment tab 52. The notch 54 may alternatively bepresent in the lower sole 50. The notch 54 is optional in the presentinvention.

The attachment tab 52 may create bumps in the foot bed area 44, or voidsbetween the upper sole 20A and lower sole 50, particularly if the notch54 is not present. There are several ways to avoid this potentialproblem. For example, the attachment tabs 52 can be made thin enough tonot create bumps, or the attachment tabs can be made of soft orcompressible material.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10 the attachment tabs 52 are short sothey are present only under the gap area 46.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11 the attachment tabs 52 are long andwide so that they cover nearly all the foot bed.

These design options can prevent the attachment tabs 52 from creatingundesirable bumps.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show cross sectional views of barriers 30 according toan embodiment of the present invention. The barriers 30 comprise a wallportion 56 and a attachment tab layer 58. The wall portion 56 andattachment tab layer 58 can be attached by adhesive, such as contactcement. The attachment tab 52 is an extension of the attachment tablayer 58.

The wall portion 56 can be made of closed cell foam and the attachmenttab layer 58 can be made of woven or knitted fabric or polymeric filmfor example. The fabric can be impregnated with polymeric material, suchas polyurethane, PVC or rubber for example. An advantage of using fabricfor the attachment tabs 52 is that it can be thin, and consequently itwill not create bumps in the sole top surface 38.

In the embodiment of FIG. 12A the attachment tab layer 58 will bedisposed on the barrier interior surface 31. In the embodiment of FIG.12B the attachment tab layer 58 will be disposed on the barrier exteriorsurface 33. Accordingly, if a decorative exterior surface is desired,the attachment tab layer 58 of FIG. 12B can comprise a decorativefabric.

FIG. 13 shows a top view of the barrier 30 with a specific design forthe attachment tabs 52. The tabs 54 are folded into the plane of thedrawing. For clarity, the straps 22 24 26 and sole 20 are not shown.

FIG. 14 shows a top view of another specific design for the barrier 30and attachment tabs 52. For clarity, the straps 22 24 26 and sole 20 arenot shown. FIG. 15 shows the shape of the barrier 30 and attachment tabs52 (of FIG. 14) laid down flat. The edges 61 62 join to form verticalseam 34 when assembled. The barrier 30 can be made by die-cutting, asknown in the art. After die-cutting, the attachment tabs 52 are folded90 degrees.

FIG. 16 shows a cross sectional side view of an embodiment in which thebarrier 30 is taller in a front portion 64, and shorter in a rearportion 66. Alternatively, the barrier 30 can be taller in the rearportion. The front portion extends to a forward edge of the foot straps24 265, as indicated by vertical dotted line 67.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show alternative embodiments in which the barrier 30is not oriented vertically with respect to the sole 20. In theembodiment of FIG. 17A the barrier 30 has an inward curvature 68. In theembodiment of FIG. 17B the barrier 30 has an outward curvative 69.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show perspective and cross-sectional views,respectively, of an alternative embodiment in which the medial footstrap 24 and/or lateral foot strap 26 are attached to the interiorsurface 31 of the barrier 30. Specifically, the medial foot strap 24 isattached to barrier 30 at location 72. The lateral foot strap 26 isattached to the barrier 30 at location 74. Locations 72 74 are describedas outside surfaces of the foot straps 24 26. The attachments can bemade with contact cement or other adhesive, or sewing.

An advantage of attaching the straps 24 26 to the barrier 30 is that ithelps to hold the barrier 30 upright. If the barrier 30 is free-standing(i.e. is not attached to the straps 24 26), then it can tend to fallover after extended use.

FIG. 19 shows a cross sectional side view of an embodiment having aremovable cover 80. The cover has hook (or loop) fastener 82, and thestraps 24 26 have loop (or hook) fastener 84. The cover 80 can be madeof the same material as the barrier 30, such as closed cell foam, forexample EVA foam. The cover 80 can be waterproof. The cover can have adecorative fabric covering 86.

The cover 80 may rest against a top edge 85 of the barrier 30 andthereby provide enhanced protection against wind, water splashes andrain. The cover 80 may or may not be removably attachable to the topedge 85.

The hook/loop fastener 82 84 can be replaced with other types ofremovable attachments, such as buttons, magnets or the like.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the flip flop with the cover 80 inplace.

An advantage of the cover 80 is that it increases the insulating abilityof the flip flop. Optionally, the cover can be larger than the flip flopso that it slightly overhangs the barrier 30.

FIG. 21 shows an alternative embodiment in which holes 90 and notches 92are present in the barrier 30. The holes 90 and notches 92 can bedecorative or can provide increased breathability. The barrier 30 has areduced height 94 in the notch locations.

If the notches 92 are covered with a water resistant or waterproofmaterial, then the notches 92 do not create a lowering of the barrierheight as its defined in the present claims.

The holes 90 and notches 92 can be covered with breathable fabric ormesh and thereby provide increased breathability and lighter weightwithout significantly affecting water protection.

The holes 90 or notches 92 can provide points for attaching decorativeaccessories. Also, the holes 90 or notches 92 can comprise transparentwindows.

The present invention provides a desirable combination of exceptionalbreathability with excellent water protection. The present flip flop ishighly breathable because the top is mostly open, and because it canmove vertically relative to the foot. The breathability is superior toenclosed shoes made with breathable fabrics. The barrier providesexceptional water protection because it can be made of waterimpermeable, non-breathable material such as closed cell foam. If thebarrier is tall enough, it can provide better water protection than awater resistant shoe.

1. A flip flop sandal, comprising: 1) a sole comprising a foot bed area;2) a medial foot strap attached to the sole and to a connection point;3) a lateral foot strap attached to the sole and to the connectionpoint; 4) a toe strap, connected to the sole and to the connectionpoint, wherein the toe strap is located such that it extends between thebig toe and the second toe of a wearers foot; 5) a barrier disposedaround and attached to the sole, wherein the barrier extends upwardly,forms a continuous loop around the foot bed, and has a height everywhereof at least 40% of a toe strap length
 2. The flip flop sandal of claim 1wherein the barrier height is in the range of 0.5 to 5 incheseverywhere.
 3. The flip flop sandal of claim 1 wherein the barrierheight is in the range of ½ a toe strap length to 6 inches everywhere.4. The flip flop sandal of claim 1 wherein the barrier height iseverywhere in the range of 0.5 inches or ½ a toe strap length, whicheveris greater, to 5 inches.
 5. The flip flop sandal of claim 1 wherein thebarrier and the sole comprise a single integral part.
 6. The flip flopsandal of claim 1 wherein the barrier has a height everywhere of atleast ⅔ the toe strap length to 4 inches.
 7. The flip flop sandal ofclaim 1 wherein the sole comprises an upper sole and a lower sole, andthe barrier comprises an attachment tab disposed between the upper soleand the lower sole.
 8. The flip flop sandal of claim 1 wherein anoutside surface of at least one of the foot straps is attached to aninterior surface of the barrier.
 9. The flip flop sandal of claim 1further comprising a cover, wherein the cover is removably attachable toat least one of the foot straps.
 10. A flip flop sandal, comprising: 1)a sole comprising a foot bed area; 2) a medial foot strap attached tothe sole and to a connection point; 3) a lateral foot strap attached tothe sole and to the connection point; 4) a toe strap, connected to thesole and to the connection point, wherein the toe strap is located suchthat it extends between the big toe and the second toe of a wearersfoot; 5) a barrier attached to the sole, wherein the barrier extendsupwardly, forms a continuous loop around the wearers foot, and has aheight in the range of ½ of a toe strap length to 6 inches in a frontportion, has a height of 1/3 the toe strap length to 4 inches in a rearportion.
 11. The flip flop sandal of claim 10 wherein the barrier is, onaverage, taller in the front portion than in the rear portion.
 12. Theflip flop sandal of claim 10 wherein the barrier has a height in therange of ⅔ the toe strap length to 2.5 inches everywhere.
 13. The flipflop sandal of claim 10 wherein the sole comprises an upper sole and alower sole, and the barrier comprises an attachment tab disposed betweenthe upper sole and the lower sole.
 14. The flip flop sandal of claim 10wherein an outside surface of at least one of the foot straps isattached to an interior surface of the barrier.
 15. The flip flop sandalof claim 10 further comprising a cover, wherein the cover is removablyattachable to at least one of the foot straps.
 16. The flip flop sandalof claim 10 wherein the barrier and the sole comprise a single integralpart.
 17. A flip flop sandal, comprising: 1) a sole comprising a gaparea in a heel portion, and a foot bed area; 2) a medial foot strapattached to the sole and to a connection point; 3) a lateral foot strapattached to the sole and to the connection point; 4) a toe strap,connected to the sole and to the connection point, wherein the toe strapis located such that it extends between the big toe and the second toeof a wearers foot; 5) a barrier disposed around and attached to thesole, wherein the barrier extends upwardly, forms a continuous looparound the foot bed area, is waterproof, and has a height everywhere inthe range of 0.7-4 inches.
 18. The flip flop sandal of claim 17 whereinthe barrier height everywhere is in the range of 0.4-4 times a toe straplength.
 19. The flip flop sandal of claim 17 wherein the sole comprisesan upper sole and a lower sole, and the barrier comprises an attachmenttab disposed between the upper sole and the lower sole.
 20. The flipflop sandal of claim 17 wherein an outside surface of at least one ofthe foot straps is attached to an interior surface of the barrier. 21.The flip flop sandal of claim 17 further comprising a cover, wherein thecover is removably attachable to at least one of the foot straps.